1 22 HISTORY OF THE PUNJAUB FROM
2 the removal of his father’s favourite, Cheyt Singh,
3 cajoling him with the prospect of his then super-
4 seding his father, from the known incapacity of
5 the latter to govern the country. The murder of
6 Cheyt Singh was consequently decided upon be-
7 tween them. A chosen band, with the Rajah at
8 their head, entered the palace at midnight, and
9 cutting down the sentries, proceeded to the Ma-
10 harajah’s private apartments, where Cheyt Singh
11 also resided. Public report, indeed, accused
12 Kurruck Singh of scandalous improprieties with
13 his favourite Cheyt Singh. Upon hearing the
14 tumult, Cheyt Singh fled to the Maharajah’s
15 own apartment for protection, but it availed him
16 nothing: the assassins entered and actually mur-
17 dered him in the king’s presence. His body
18 was carried out and thrown into a hole which
19 was hastily dug for the purpose. The murder of
20 Cheyt Singh was followed by the imprisonment of
21 the Misher family and confiscation of their pro-
22 perty. The Jemidar Kooshyal Singh (given to
23 understand that his presence at court could be
24 dispensed with), and various other Sirdars, be-
25 took themselves to their possessions. From this
26 time the authority of the Maharajah Kurruck
27 Singh ceased; he was shortly after formally de-
28 posed, and the Prince Noo Nehal Singh assumed
29 the reins of government. Thus far the Rajah
30 Dhyan Singh was successful in his projects, but